Blackmore defends RCMP’s actions in wake of Sanderson arrest

The commanding officer of the Saskatchewan RCMP defended officers and the force itself Thursday.

In a statement, Assistant Commissioner Rhonda Blackmore wrote that some have “taken issue” with the fact that during a media conference Sept. 7, she couldn’t explain how murder suspect Myles Sanderson died while in police custody.

“The police officers who apprehended him are highly trained experts in their field but they are not medical experts or pathologists,” Blackmore wrote.

“When I gave my statement and answered questions, we did not know — and still do not know — the cause of death for Myles Sanderson and to speculate would be irresponsible and undermine the independent investigation being conducted by Saskatoon Police Service and the Saskatchewan Serious Incident Response Team.”

Sanderson was the prime suspect in nine murders on the James Smith Cree Nation and one in Weldon. Another 18 people were injured.

After a four-day manhunt, Sanderson was captured by RCMP officers south of Rosthern on Sept. 7.

Shortly after he was arrested, Sanderson went into what the Mounties called “medical distress.” After officers performed lifesaving measures, Sanderson was transported by ambulance to a hospital in Saskatoon, where he was pronounced dead.

“I have seen it written that ‘somewhere in the process, police failed to uphold’ our duty of care,” Blackmore wrote. “This statement is extremely premature given we do not yet have information on what led to his death.

“I ask you all to remember this is not a TV drama where we will have all of the answers by the end of the episode. Complex investigations of this nature take time and we look forward to providing further details once they have been confirmed.”

Blackmore noted that the investigations by Saskatoon police and the Saskatchewan Serious Incident Response Team will be vital in the case.

“Independent oversight of police actions is critical to public trust and confidence in the actions of police officers,” she said. “This is exactly the reason why I was limited in what I could say when I spoke with the media on Sept. 7.

“I am confident both investigating bodies understand the public interest in this case and will be working to release information as soon as they are able.”

Blackmore admitted there are unanswered questions about the case — including Sanderson’s motive — but noted the RCMP’s Major Crimes Unit is trying to piece things together.

“Our first priority remains sharing the information with the victims’ families prior to the general public,” Blackmore said.